Academic background

Courses

Principles of Biology

Bacteriology

Microbial Ecology

Life at the Extremes

Summary of research

My research combines molecular and traditional culture-based approaches to investigate microorganisms in natural habitats.
My efforts are broadly directed toward the following investigations: (1) the role of bacteria in biogeochemical cycling in
natural habitats - specifically related to nitrogen and sulfur cycling in high temperature / acidic environments, iron and
manganese transformations in neutral pH environments, and nitrogen cycling in aquatic and terrestrial systems. (2) the diversity,
physiology and genetic processes underlying microbial life in high temperature, low pH environments, (3) the assessment and
quantification of microbial biodiversity within natural communities, especially pertaining to the effects of environmental and
anthropogenic perturbations, and (4) the detection of microorganisms, their genes and associated activities in field and
laboratory systems.

Siering, P. L., and M. S. Wilson. 2004. Geochemical and biological diversity in near boiling acidic hotsprings,
Abstr. N271 in 104th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, May 22-27, New Orleans, LA

Wilson, M. S.,A. T. Carter and P. L. Siering. 2004. Molecular analysis of microbial communities in a 55°C pH 1.7
lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park., Abst. N276 in 104th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology,
May 22-27, New Orleans, LA.